JP Nadda Launches National Mass Drug Administration Drive to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 11th Feb. Union Health Minister Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda launched the National Mass Drug Administration (MDA) Round to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) across 13 endemic states. The initiative aims to protect over 17.5 crore people and accelerate India’s fight against the disease ahead of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of 2030.

Addressing the event virtually, Nadda reaffirmed India’s commitment to eliminating LF by 2027, emphasizing a “whole-of-government” approach and community participation under the Jan Andolan and Jan Bhagidari model.

Mass Drug Administration Begins February 10

From February 10, free medicines will be distributed door-to-door across 111 endemic districts in 13 states. The campaign is being led by the National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

State health ministers from Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh participated in the launch event.

Strategic Approach to LF Elimination

LF, commonly known as “Hathi Paon,” is a mosquito-borne parasitic disease causing severe physical disabilities. To eliminate it, the government has outlined a five-pronged strategy, including:
 Twice-a-year mass drug administration campaigns
 Door-to-door medicine distribution
 Active community engagement
 Enhanced surveillance and monitoring
 Strengthening health infrastructure for morbidity management

Nadda stressed that over 90% of the eligible population in endemic districts must consume anti-filarial medicines to break the transmission cycle.

Government’s Commitment to LF-Free India

The minister highlighted Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) as crucial in providing self-care and treatment for LF patients. Under NHM and PM-JAY, facilities for hydrocelectomy surgeries and disability prevention are being strengthened.

Praising UP and Odisha for effectively using digital platforms for awareness campaigns, Nadda urged other states to intensify IEC activities and involve MPs, MLAs, and Panchayati Raj Institutions to boost participation.

The Union Health Minister concluded by reiterating the government’s unwavering commitment to eliminating LF by 2027. He called for targeted grassroots action, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against this debilitating disease.